Noctua releases first processor cooler in redux series of cheaper products

Noctua releases the NH-U12S redux, a cheaper variant of the existing NH-U12S. According to the manufacturer, the redux version offers the same cooling performance, but comes with a fan that rotates faster and makes more noise.

The Noctua NH-U12S redux has a suggested retail price of 49.90 euros, which is 10 euros lower than the recommended retail price of the regular version. The CPU coolers have the same dimensions, but the redux version has four instead of five heatpipes. Furthermore, Noctua supplies the NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM fan instead of the quieter NF-F12 PWM. According to Noctua, the noise production of the redux cooler is therefore 25.1dB, with the more expensive version that is 22.4dB.

Noctua also does not supply clips to attach a second fan. These are included with the optional NA-FK1 kit, which contains a second fan, including all accessories to connect and fix it. The kit costs 16.90 euros. The regular NH-U12S also comes with one fan, but the connection clips for a second one are included.

The cooler can be mounted on current AMD and Intel sockets and, as with other Noctua coolers, buyers are eligible for free upgrades to mounting options for new sockets, should they appear on the market.

Noctua has detailed the differences between the NH-U12S and the redux version in a table and also published a video, in which the differences are discussed. Noctua states that the coolers perform equally and recommends the more expensive NH-U12S for users who want a cooler that is as quiet as possible.